Author: Gabby

Honourable Mansur Manu Soro, who represents the Darazo-Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has officially declared that he will not be participating in the 2027 general elections. The announcement came through a statement released on May 11, 2026, which was signed by his Legislative Aide, Safiyanu Ibrahim Darazo.

In the statement, the lawmaker clarified that he would neither pursue the Bauchi Central Senatorial seat nor seek another term for his current federal constituency. This decision marks a significant shift from earlier speculation that he might contest under a different party platform.

Manu Soro took the opportunity to express gratitude to the people of Darazo-Ganjuwa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Governor Bala Mohammed for their support during the 2023 elections, which secured his return to the National Assembly. Despite stepping away from electoral politics, he assured his constituents that his commitment to the development of the constituency remains steadfast, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

He highlighted key projects undertaken during his tenure, including the establishment of gifted primary and secondary schools, a National Open University of Nigeria study centre, and four pediatric hospitals spread across the constituency. These initiatives reflect his ongoing dedication to improving local infrastructure and services.

It is worth noting that Manu Soro resigned from the PDP on May 1, 2026, citing persistent internal crises and unresolved divisions within the party over the past two years. Following his departure from the PDP, he defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), which fueled widespread speculation that he intended to vie for the Bauchi Central Senatorial seat or return to the House of Representatives under the APM banner.

Attempts to obtain a comment from the APM State Chairman, Auwal Isah, were unsuccessful. Calls placed to him went unanswered, and text messages sent to his phone had not been responded to at the time of filing this report.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially commenced the screening process for its aspirants vying for the presidency and various governorship positions in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This development marks a significant step in the party’s internal electoral preparations.

Organized under the leadership of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee, the screening activities are being hosted at the party’s National Secretariat Annex, situated at Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja. The exercise is designed to evaluate the qualifications and readiness of candidates seeking to fly the party’s flag in the national and state-level contests.

According to a statement from the National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, the screening for governorship aspirants will kick off at 12 noon on Thursday, while the presidential aspirants’ session is scheduled for 2 PM on the same day, both taking place at the same venue. The timing underscores the party’s commitment to a structured and timely vetting process.

Notable figures have been appointed to lead the screening committees. The presidential screening committee is chaired by former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, with Hassan Sokodobo acting as Secretary. Other committee members include Alhaji Abba Isawa, Senator George Sekibo, Sodipo Semiu, Mrs. Chinelo Chidebelu, Nasiru Mohammed, Senator Zainab Kure, and Lindsey Sora. Their collective expertise ensures a thorough evaluation of all aspirants.

For the governorship category, the committee is headed by former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, with George Ariolu serving as Secretary. The committee also features Dr. Ibrahim Umar, Prof. Aisha Madawaki, Tajudeen Yusuf, Dr. Abdulganiyu Oloyin, Babangida Modibbo, Alhaji Buba Biri, Olaniyi Ogungbuji, Mike Ahumibe, Gabriel Igboko, Pastor Tony Effiong, and Mrs. Precious Ojelabi. This diverse panel reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive and rigorous candidate assessment.

In a yet-to-be-released interview with News Central TV, Peter Obi, a frontline presidential aspirant of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has made serious allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan. The former governor of Anambra State claimed that Amupitan is merely executing a script authored by President Bola Tinubu.

According to excerpts from the interview, Obi disclosed that he recently wrote to the INEC Chairman, cautioning him that his tenure is temporary. The NDC aspirant expressed disbelief that elections could be conducted by academics and still result in such poor outcomes. “If anyone had told me that using professors to run our elections would make things worse, I would have strongly disagreed,” Obi stated.

When asked directly whether INEC acts as an agent of the president, Obi responded affirmatively. “Yes, completely. Everything the INEC Chairman is doing today reflects the directives of the person who appointed him,” he emphasized. Obi reiterated that his letter reminded Amupitan of the impermanence of his position, implying that accountability would eventually catch up with him.

The interview is expected to air in full soon, potentially stirring further debate about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral body ahead of future elections.

In a significant political move, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has formally aligned himself with the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made on Thursday at the party’s secretariat in Ondo City, where the state APC chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, alongside other party leaders and supporters, officially received him.

Mimiko’s defection marks a notable development in the state’s political landscape, as he holds the distinction of being the first governor in Ondo’s history to complete two terms in office. This transition comes after a wave of his loyalists had earlier moved to the APC in 2025, which many observers interpreted as a precursor to his eventual switch to the ruling party.

The former governor’s decision is largely seen as part of broader realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, reinforcing the APC’s influence in the region. Political analysts suggest that this move could significantly reshape the dynamics of Ondo politics and the party’s strategies for upcoming polls.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has successfully completed the screening of three senatorial candidates and 131 contenders for the state House of Assembly positions, marking a significant step towards the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists in Jos after the exercise, the chairman of the screening committee, Tyem Gideon Nanden, confirmed that the cleared aspirants will now proceed to the party’s primary elections scheduled for next Wednesday.

Nanden revealed that many of the candidates emerged through consensus arrangements, including those vying for the three senatorial seats in the state. He named the senatorial aspirants as Johnbuil Shekarau (Plateau South), Timothy Golu (Plateau Central), and Formson Godson Dalyop (Plateau North), all of whom were selected via consensus.

Additionally, all House of Representatives hopefuls were chosen through consensus, except for the Langtang North/South federal constituency, which remains contested. Meanwhile, 131 individuals are seeking tickets for the 24-member Plateau State House of Assembly.

Nanden also disclosed that five governorship aspirants from the state are undergoing screening in Abuja. They include Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, Sarpya Danielo, Sunday Biggs, Alfred Dapal, and Alex Ladam.

Addressing speculation about internal divisions, Nanden dismissed reports of factionalism within the PDP, asserting that the party remains unified under the leadership of National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu. He ruled out the possibility of any breakaway group fielding candidates, emphasizing that the PDP continues to be recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress and former National Agricultural Land Development Authority executive secretary, Prince Paul Ikonne, has articulated reasons why Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District, will not retain his position in the upper legislative chamber come 2027.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ikonne asserted that the senator’s constituents across Abia State have collectively decided against his re-election after nearly two decades in the Senate, citing a lack of visible developmental achievements in the district during his tenure.

Ikonne remarked, ‘Senator Abaribe is effectively heading home. After 20 years in the Senate, there simply aren’t any tangible results. You can search the entire Abia South and you won’t find a single constituency project attributed to him. Interestingly, Abia South serves as the economic engine of Abia State and the entire Southeast region, given that Aba is the commercial hub. Moreover, it is the oil-producing zone of the state. Yet, there is nothing to show for it. So, he’s already on his way back, and some groups are even advocating for him to receive a traditional title to take over a community in his local government area.’

Ikonne, who recently announced his own intention to contest the senatorial election in Abia State, also predicted that following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated re-election in 2027, the Southeast would be entitled to a full eight-year presidential term.

In a series of coordinated missions under Operation DESERT SANITY, forces from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully liberated six women and children and taken into custody several individuals believed to be cooperating with terrorist networks. The operations occurred across multiple locations within the North East region.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the media information officer for OPHK, the rescue took place on May 12 following a targeted air interdiction mission near the Mandara Mountains. Acting on credible intelligence, troops moved on a suspected terrorist crossing point close to Amuda, where they found the abductees. The victims were identified as Aisha Musa, 18; Aisha Mohammed, 17; Fatima Yahaya, 20; Saudatu Musa, 4; Garba Mohammed, 5; and three-month-old Mohammed Yahaya. They had been seized from Ngoshe community during an attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on March 3, 2026.

After their rescue, the group was taken to a military medical facility for medical attention. They were later reunited with their families through the Bulama of Ngoshe, Mallam Adamu Gunda. In a separate development on the same day, troops stationed at Tango 7 in Konduga Local Government Area apprehended a 40-year-old woman, Hauwa Bulama, on suspicion of having links with terrorist elements. Items recovered from her included detergent, washing soap, a torchlight, and seasoning cubes. Initial investigations suggest she was en route to Gezuwa to meet four of her children who are allegedly members of a terrorist group. She has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further inquiry and possible prosecution.

Furthermore, personnel from Sector 2 OPHK, with assistance from military intelligence, arrested two more suspects—Bakura, 18, and Adiza, 17—during a follow-up operation in Damaturu. These arrests were connected to an earlier operation that intercepted a suspected ammunition courier named Ba’akaka Abubakar, also known as Modogol, who was allegedly trying to supply ammunition to terrorist groups. Preliminary findings indicate that Adiza had been assigned to collect the ammunition from the courier and deliver it to a terrorist commander. The suspects remain in custody as efforts continue to track down the commander and recover the ammunition.

The Joint Task Force has reiterated its dedication to ongoing campaigns aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, freeing kidnapped civilians, and restoring peace in the North East. The military high command praised the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and sustained operational tempo in the fight against insurgency.

On Wednesday, residents of Agbado, a community in Lagos State, marched to the premises of Ikeja Electric to voice their anger over an extended electricity blackout. The protest, which was predominantly led by women, saw demonstrators blocking the main entrance to the distribution company’s office, demanding an immediate end to the power crisis.

The outage, which has lasted for several weeks, has severely hampered local businesses and disrupted daily life. Households have been forced to rely on expensive alternatives such as generators and inverters, placing a heavy financial strain on families. Many residents expressed frustration that they had lodged multiple complaints with Ikeja Electric but received little to no response or explanation about when normal service would resume.

The protesters carried placards and sang songs of solidarity, calling on government authorities to step in and ensure a permanent fix to the electricity problems in the area.

In response, officials from Ikeja Electric urged the crowd to remain patient, attributing the blackout to technical faults. They assured the community that repair work was in progress and that power would be restored as soon as possible.

This demonstration highlights the growing discontent in parts of Lagos over persistent electricity supply failures and the severe economic toll that extended blackouts take on both homes and small businesses.

Advocates in Ogun State are urging authorities to integrate Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) into the state’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Safe Termination of Pregnancy (SToP) framework. They highlighted that women with disabilities often suffer fatal consequences from unsafe abortions due to neglect.

During a meeting on inclusive SToP guidelines in Abeokuta, community leaders, NGOs, healthcare workers, and activists raised concerns. Paul Bennett, head of The Rainbow Alive Hub Initiative (TRAHI), said the gathering aimed to pinpoint obstacles faced by PWDs and push for policy improvements.

Bennett praised Ogun for launching SToP guidelines to protect women but noted the policies overlook marginalized groups like disabled women, those with mental health issues, and substance users. He emphasized that a policy gap leaves visually impaired or non-verbal women vulnerable—if impregnated, they cannot identify the perpetrator or access abortion services easily.

God’s Gift Udoh, TRAHI’s Program Director, stated that although SToP guidelines theoretically cover all women, awareness and execution fall short for PWDs. He called for collective action to meet the SDG 2030 goal of leaving no one behind.

Dr. Michael Ebonhor, Chair of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ogun, demanded that PWDs be classified as vulnerable and granted free health insurance. He criticized inaccessible clinics, derogatory language from medics (e.g., “with this condition, who impregnated you?”), and stereotypes that deter PWDs from seeking care.

Ebonhor urged continuous training for health professionals and bridging information gaps, as many disabled girls lack knowledge of where to get help. He also noted that pursuing justice for rights violations is prohibitively costly, causing many to abandon cases.

Another participant, Adeosun Olufemi, advocated for broader awareness campaigns reaching rural areas. He recounted an instance where a deaf-mute woman was raped but couldn’t identify the attacker, underscoring the silent suffering of PWDs.

In response, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, said the government is recruiting sign language interpreters for public health centers and has installed ramps and accessible toilets in 75 facilities. He assured that PWDs are a top priority and comprehensive reproductive health services are available. “Your choice to have sex or a relationship and decide what to do about pregnancy is respected. We offer family planning and trained health workers—no need to visit quacks,” he stated.

Mrs. Olekanma Funminiyi, Director of Rehabilitation Services at the Ministry of Women Affairs, affirmed the government’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all women, including those with disabilities.

The Plateau State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has dismissed claims that Fulani communities are involved in land grabbing across the region. In a statement released on Thursday, the association’s chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, described the allegations as baseless and lacking evidence.

According to MACBAN, the accusations are a deliberate attempt to paint the Fulani as aggressors and incite attacks against them. The group argues that such narratives are one-sided and overlook the suffering endured by Fulani pastoralists over the years.

Babayo highlighted that Fulani settlements in areas like Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South have faced repeated attacks, forced evictions, and destruction of property. He noted that many families have been displaced from ancestral lands due to persistent violence and insecurity.

The chairman further lamented that while Fulani communities are accused of land grabbing, they have actually lost vast tracts of land, homes, and livestock without receiving any compensation or justice. Thousands of cattle have been stolen or killed, and numerous homes have been burned down, leaving women and children displaced.

MACBAN emphasized that Fulani people are law-abiding Nigerians entitled to constitutional rights, including the freedom to live and conduct legitimate business anywhere in the country. The association called for a balanced approach to addressing the crisis, urging the Plateau State government, security agencies, and traditional leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could worsen tensions.

They appealed for equal protection and fair treatment for all communities, regardless of tribe or religion, and stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, mutual respect, and honest dialogue. MACBAN also warned against unfounded accusations that could jeopardize ongoing peace efforts in the state.